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? Mushroom Revision Guide

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, primarily from the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla, and they absorb nutrients from their environment. Their life cycle involves spore release, germination, mycelium formation, and fruiting body growth. Mushrooms have various uses in culinary, medicinal, environmental, and biotechnological applications, but caution is advised as some edible varieties closely resemble poisonous ones.

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17 views3 pages

? Mushroom Revision Guide

Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, primarily from the Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla, and they absorb nutrients from their environment. Their life cycle involves spore release, germination, mycelium formation, and fruiting body growth. Mushrooms have various uses in culinary, medicinal, environmental, and biotechnological applications, but caution is advised as some edible varieties closely resemble poisonous ones.

Uploaded by

aaronshyfrin451
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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🧠 Mushroom Revision Guide

🍄 What Are Mushrooms?


 Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of certain fungi.
 Unlike plants, fungi do not photosynthesize. They absorb nutrients from
their environment.
 Most mushrooms are part of the Basidiomycota or Ascomycota phyla.

🔬 Basic Structure of a Mushroom

Part Description

The top part, often umbrella-shaped; protects the


Cap
gills.

Gills/Pores Underside of the cap; where spores are produced.

Stem
Supports the cap.
(Stipe)

Ring
Remnant of a protective veil; not always present.
(Annulus)

Volva Base of the mushroom; a cup-like structure.

The main body of the fungus underground; network


Mycelium
of hyphae.

🌱 Life Cycle of a Mushroom


1. Spore release from the gills or pores.
2. Germination: Spores grow into hyphae.
3. Mycelium forms from hyphal networks.
4. Mating between compatible mycelia.
5. Fruiting body (mushroom) grows when conditions are right.
6. Spores released again to continue the cycle.

Edible vs. Poisonous Mushrooms

Edible Mushrooms Poisonous Mushrooms

Button mushroom (Agaricus Death cap (Amanita


bisporus) phalloides)

Shiitake Destroying angel (Amanita


Edible Mushrooms Poisonous Mushrooms

spp.)

Fly agaric (Amanita


Oyster mushroom
muscaria)

⚠️Important: Some toxic mushrooms look very similar to edible ones. Never
forage mushrooms without expert knowledge.

🧪 Uses of Mushrooms
 Culinary: Used worldwide as food (rich in protein, B vitamins).
 Medicinal:
o Penicillin (from Penicillium mold)

o Psilocybin (psychoactive compound)

o Immunity boosters (e.g., Reishi, Turkey Tail)

 Environmental:
o Decomposers in ecosystems

o Mycoremediation: cleaning toxins from soil

 Biotechnology:
o Used in enzymes, bioplastics, and even fungal leather (mycelium-
based materials).

🌍 Ecological Role
 Decomposers: Break down dead organic material, recycle nutrients.
 Mycorrhizal fungi: Form symbiotic relationships with plant roots,
improving water/nutrient uptake.
 Pathogens: Some fungi can cause plant or animal diseases.

🧠 Key Terms

Term Meaning

A kingdom of spore-producing organisms feeding on


Fungus
organic matter.

Hyphae Thin filaments that make up the mycelium.

Mycelium Network of hyphae, main body of the fungus.

Spore Reproductive cell used for spreading.


Term Meaning

Basidioca Fruiting body of Basidiomycota fungi (what we call a


rp mushroom).

Saprotro
Organism that feeds on dead/decaying matter.
ph

Symbiosi
Close and often long-term interaction between species.
s

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